A Renaissance style electroplate copper electrotype charger, in the manner of François Birot, circa 1860

The present work was acquired from The Ken Paul Collection, these rooms, 13-15 March 2002, part lot 209. 

Ken Paul's business (1946-2002) supplied antique and decorative props to major film sets, televisions shows and theatrical productions. This charger formed part of their catalogue and would have been used in numerous productions.

The present lot is based upon the Temperantia Basin which was designed by François Birot around 1585 and is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. 2063-1855). This and other Renaissance models were widely copied in the 19th century using the technique employed here.